Rear shock preload - Glenn has it figured out

[Eric K]

I read what Glenn (GMP) observed about rear spring preload and suspension behavior.

I reduced my preload from about 12 mm to 10mm, which changed the loaded sag from about 125mm to 130mm. As a note, I mainly ride woods, I weigh 270 geared up and run a 5.6 spring. I felt a big difference in the smoothness of the rear suspension over the sharp edged step ups. The rear used to kick noticeably on the square edged, step up bumps with the 12mm preload that couldn’t be fixed with clicker adjustments. Now it is way smoother, with no noticeable kick over the sharp step ups. It still turns sharp. I could not feel a difference in the steering. I am thinking that preload and free sag are far more important than loaded sag in proper set up.